asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the possibility of giving aid to the Simon Community.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Simon Community.
15.
There are no funds at my direct disposal out of which I could make a grant to the Simon Community. However, section 65 of the Health Act, 1953, empowers health boards to pay grants to voluntary agencies providing community care services and health boards have availed of this provision to give assistance to the Simon Community.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that some health boards are not now in a position to relate these grants to the Simon Community because of the increased cost of living and the high rate of inflation?
I can appreciate the problem. The Southern Health Board paid a grant of £3,000 to the Cork Simon Community this year.
Since the Parliamentary Secretary has referred to a specific case, is he aware that the Cork Simon Community got the same grant last year and asked for an increase this year to keep pace with the increasing costs which they incur?
I am aware of that.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary propose to take any action in relation to this obvious deficiency which ought to be cured?
Like every other Deputy, I would love to have money available for so many things and this is one of them. They do very good work.
With the obvious increased work done by these wonderful charitable organisations, the Simon Community who work unostentatiously, would there be any possibility of an increase in relation to the social welfare part of the question?
I will bring the Deputy's interest to the attention of the Minister for Health and Social Welfare.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say if it is possible for the Minister to make available some accommodation in different localities for the use of the Simon Community?
This is primarily a matter for the different health boards and the health boards are very well aware of the Minister's interest in the matter.